THE RACE: 2007 SAM’S TOWN 250 – MEMPHIS MOTORSPORTS PARK

Busch Series Race #32 of 35 for the 2007 season


 

  • Race: 3:30pm/et, Saturday, October 27, 2007 in Millington, TN
  • Length: 250 Laps, 187.5 miles
  • TV: ESPN2 – 3:00pm/et
  • Radio: MRN
  • Purse: $1,302,0756
  • Announcers: Jerry Punch, Rusty Wallace, Andy Petree
  • Pit Reporters: Allen Bestwick, Dave Burns, Jamie Little, Mike Massaro

    Practice Dates/Times

  • Practice: Friday, October 26, 3:00-4:00pm/et & 5:00-6:00pm/et, Rookie practice, 4:30-5:00pm/et

    Qualifying Info

  • Qualifying Draw: Friday, October 26, 2:00pm/et
  • Qualifying Time: Saturday, October 27, 10:35am/et
  • Qualifying: 2 laps for all positions, cars will be impounded.
  • NASCAR Online will have live lap-by-lap coverage of Busch qualifying via the web (NOTE: this is a paid subscription service). TheHotLap.com has free qualifying coverage.

    Goodyear Tire Notes

    Busch Series — Race No. 32 — Sam’s Town 250
    Memphis Motorsports Park (0.75-mile oval) — Memphis, Tenn.
    Fast Facts for October 26-27, 2007
    Tire: Goodyear Eagle Intermediate Radials
    Number of Tires: Left-side — 625; Right-side — 625
    Tire Codes: Left-side — D-4104; Right-side — D-4106
    Tire Circumference: Left-side — 87.4 in.; Right-side — 88.6 in.
    Technical Inspection Inflation: Left Front — 20 psi; Left Rear — 20 psi; Right Front — 30 psi; Right Rear — 30 psi
    Minimum Recommended Inflation: Left Front — 14 psi; Left Rear — 12 psi; Right Front — 27 psi; Right Rear — 24 psi
    Estimated Pit Window: Every 110-120 laps, based on fuel mileage.
    Notes: This is the most popular specific combination of left- and right-side tires that Goodyear will bring to the track for teams in the Busch Series this season . . . this will be the eighth of nine races that teams in this series will run this combination in 2007 . . . in addition to Memphis, Busch Series teams will run this tire setup at Phoenix (twice), Richmond (twice), Milwaukee, New Hampshire, Gateway and Indianapolis Raceway Park this season . . . as on most NASCAR ovals one mile or less in length, teams will not run inner liners in their tires at Memphis.(Goodyear PR)(10-26-2007)


    ENTRY, PRACTICE, QUALIFYING, AND RACE INFORMATION

  • Reutimann Wins at Memphis: #99-David Reutimann dominated a crash-filled race and survived a green-white-checker finish at Memphis to win the Sam’s Town 250 for his first career Busch Series win. #22-Mike Bliss finished second followed by #6-David Ragan, #59-Marcos Ambrose, #38-Jason Leffler, #29-Scott Wimmer, #26-Jamie McMurray, #11-Jason Keller, #88-Brad Keselowski, and #49-Brian Keselowski. Points leader #60-Carl Edwards was caught in a spin on the last lap and finished 25th. He did not clinch the championship. The race was slowed by a season high and race record 25 cautions for 117 laps. There were 6 leaders with 9 lead changes.(10-27-2007)
    NASCAR Race Number 32
    Unofficial Race Results for the Sam’s Town 250 – Saturday, October 27, 2007
    Memphis Motorsports Park – Memphis, TN – .75 Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 253 Laps – 189.75 Miles – Purse: $1,302,075

    Fin Str Car Driver Team Laps Pts Bns Total Award Status Times Laps
    1 2 99 David Reutimann Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota 253 195 10 $74,145 Running 3 194
    2 16 22 Mike Bliss SuperCuts Dodge 253 175 5 $46,890 Running 1 1
    3 26 6 David Ragan # Discount Tire Ford 253 165 $36,400 Running
    4 1 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford 253 165 5 $43,665 Running 1 20
    5 4 38 Jason Leffler Great Clips/Comcast Toyota 253 155 $33,840 Running
    6 12 29 Scott Wimmer Holiday Inn Chevy 253 150 $34,490 Running
    7 14 26 Jamie McMurray Dish Network Ford 253 146 $21,550 Running
    8 5 11 Jason Keller InvestLinc Chevy 253 147 5 $24,840 Running 2 7
    9 25 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy 253 138 $26,065 Running
    10 36 49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge 253 134 $21,850 Running
    11 10 20 J.J. Yeley FedEx Express Chevy 253 130 $25,000 Running
    12 18 90 Stephen Leicht citifinancial Ford 253 132 5 $25,440 Running 1 27
    13 11 7 Mike Wallace GEICO Chevy 253 124 $25,690 Running
    14 17 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford 253 121 $21,125 Running
    15 30 56 Danny O’Quinn Jr. Power Equipment Chevy 253 118 $19,725 Running
    16 37 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy 253 115 $26,325 Running
    17 27 71 Ron Young Chevy 253 117 5 $18,700 Running 1 4
    18 22 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge 253 109 $20,550 Running
    19 9 30 Stanton Barrett Phytter Phone/Interush Chevy 253 106 $18,725 Running
    20 20 5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy 253 103 $21,275 Running
    21 32 10 Brent Sherman Fan1st.com Toyota 253 100 $24,240 Running
    22 33 05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation 253 97 $18,050 Running
    23 24 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford 253 94 $20,275 Running
    24 38 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge 253 91 $25,300 Running
    25 39 60 Carl Edwards Scott’s Winterguard Ford 253 88 $24,375 Running
    26 7 1 Sterling Marlin Miccosukee Resorts Chevy 253 85 $19,680 Running
    27 41 37 John Graham Kick Butt Energy Ballz/GNC Ford 253 82 $19,625 Running
    28 34 0 Eric McClure Hefty Chevy 253 79 $17,580 Running
    29 19 33 Cale Gale Camping World Chevy 252 76 $25,045 Running
    30 15 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford 252 73 $25,260 Running
    31 42 28 Robert Richardson Jr. # Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. Border Patrol 251 70 $17,675 Running
    32 3 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge 250 67 $25,940 Running
    33 6 18 Brad Coleman # Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy 240 64 $22,290 Running
    34 35 27 Brad Baker Viva Ford 239 61 $19,370 Running
    35 13 66 Steve Wallace HomeLife Communities Dodge 234 58 $22,220 Parked
    36 8 43 Bobby East Kick Butt Amped Energy Ballz Ford 224 55 $17,300 Engine
    37 28 77 Brandon Miller Dollar General Chevy 190 52 $24,760 Accident
    38 23 35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. McDonald’s Ford 190 49 $22,090 Running
    39 31 40 Matt Carter Milio’s Sandwiches Delivers Ford 129 46 $17,170 Accident
    40 40 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital 100 43 $17,135 Accident
    41 43 64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge 86 40 $17,095 Accident
    42 29 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford 47 37 $19,945 Parked
    43 21 72 D.J. Kennington NPPL/Vector Dodge 44 34 $16,960 Handling
    Race Comments: Before an estimated crowd of 36,500 – David Reutimann won the Sam’s Town 250, his first NASCAR Busch Series victory. Prior to the green flag the following driver(s) dropped to the rear: #6 Ragan, #20 Yeley, #26 McMurray, #60 Edwards (driver change).
    Failed to Qualify: (6) 01 Kertus Davis, 54 Carl Long, 89 Morgan Shepherd, 12 Marc Mitchell, 44 Mike Harmon, 52 Chris Lawson.
    Time of Race: 03 Hrs, 02 Mins, 12 Secs.
    Average Speed: 62.487 MPH
    Margin of Victory: 0.735 Seconds
    Caution Flags: 25 for 117 laps: Laps: 9-15 (#72 accident frontstretch); 17-20 (#35,14 accident turn 2); 40-44 (#41 spun turn 4); 46-51 (#14 accident backstretch); 53-55 (#71 spun turn 3); 61-64 (#37 spun frontstretch); 75-78 (#40 accident turn 4); 81-84 (#64 spun turn 2); 87-89 (#64 accident turn 3); 94-98 (#9, 71 accident backstretch); 101-103 (#36, 77 accident turn 3); 105-108 (#66 accident turn 3); 110-113 (#5 accident turn 2); 119-124 (#27 accident backstretch); 130-140 (#71, 49, 60, 1 accident frontstretch , Red Flag (11 min. 38 sec.)); 147-150 (#47 spun turn 2); 162-169 (debris turn 4); 177-181 (#7 spun turn 4); 184-188 (#43 spun turn 4); 192-198 (#77 accident turn 4); 201-204 (#37, 42 accident turn 4); 209-211 (#21 spun turn 4); 221-223 (#16, 43 accident turn 4); 235-237 (#66 spun turn 3); 250-251 (#10 spun turn 4).
    Lead Changes: 9 among 6 drivers: M. Ambrose # (Pole); D. Reutimann 1-39; J. Keller 40; R. Young 41-44; D. Reutimann 45-118; M. Bliss 119; S. Leicht 120-146; M. Ambrose # 147-166; J. Keller 167-172; D. Reutimann 173-253.
    Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge: David Reutimann, #99 95.620 sec.
    Featherlite “Most Improved Driver: Marcos Ambrose, #59 (36 Places)
    Raybestos “Rookie of the Race: David Ragan, #6
    Sunoco Diamond Performance : David Reutimann, #99
    WIX Filters “Lap Leader : David Reutimann, #99 (194 Laps)

  • Edwards Comes up Short for Clinching Championship at Memphis: Carl Edwards’ championship celebration will have to wait another week as he leaves Memphis with a 531 point lead over David Reutimann. Jason Leffer moved to third in the point standings over Kevin Harvick. David Ragan remains in fifth.(10-27-2007)
    Points Report
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    UNOFFICAL Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Saturday, 10/27/2007 @ 8:14 PM Eastern

    Pos Driver Points Ldr
    1. Carl Edwards 4364 0
    2. David Reutimann 3833 -531
    3. Jason Leffler 3606 -758
    4. Kevin Harvick 3523 -841
    5. David Ragan # 3464 -900
    6. Bobby Hamilton Jr. 3313 -1051
    7. Stephen Leicht 3203 -1161
    8. Marcos Ambrose # 3152 -1212
    9. Greg Biffle 3136 -1228
    10. Mike Wallace 3083 -1281
    11. Matt Kenseth 2981 -1383
    12. Scott Wimmer 2907 -1457
    13. Denny Hamlin 2841 -1523
    14. Clint Bowyer 2801 -1563
    15. Jeff Burton 2665 -1699
    16. J.J. Yeley 2652 -1712
    17. Kyle Busch 2573 -1791
    18. Kyle Krisiloff # 2552 -1812
    19. Steve Wallace 2545 -1819
    20. Casey Mears 2418 -1946
    21. Mike Bliss 2413 -1951
    22. Dave Blaney 2401 -1963
    23. Brent Sherman 2373 -1991
    24. Jamie McMurray 2087 -2277
    25. Jason Keller 1972 -2392
    26. Kasey Kahne 1956 -2408
    27. Brad Keselowski # 1930 -2434
    28. Reed Sorenson 1881 -2483
    29. Bobby Labonte 1853 -2511
    30. Aric Almirola 1850 -2514
    31. Regan Smith 1820 -2544
    32. Shane Huffman 1727 -2637
    33. Juan Pablo Montoya 1689 -2675
    34. Todd Kluever 1687 -2677
    35. Brad Coleman # 1680 -2684
    36. David Gilliland 1597 -2767
    37. Eric McClure 1596 -2768
    38. Tony Stewart 1567 -2797
    39. Ward Burton 1555 -2809
    40. David Stremme 1554 -2810
    41. Kelly Bires 1514 -2850
    42. Paul Menard 1208 -3156
    43. Stanton Barrett 1163 -3201
    44. Jon Wood 1154 -3210
    45. Robert Richardson Jr. # 1024 -3340
    46. Richard Johns 996 -3368
    47. Danny O’quinn 952 -3412
    48. Robby Gordon 903 -3461
    49. Ryan Newman 851 -3513
    50. Kevin Hamlin 748 -3616
    51. Morgan Shepherd 738 -3626
    52. Bobby East 734 -3630
    53. Brian Vickers 714 -3650
    54. D.J. Kennington 685 -3679
    55. Dale Earnhardt, Jr 668 -3696
    56. Cale Gale 658 -3706
    57. Todd Bodine 655 -3709
    58. Timothy Peters 646 -3718
    59. Chase Miller 642 -3722
    60. Tim McCreadie 600 -3764
    61. Johnny Sauter 587 -3777
    62. Mark Green 577 -3787
    63. Mark Martin 573 -3791
    64. Kurt Busch 527 -3837
    65. Brett Rowe 524 -3840
    66. Kevin Conway 523 -3841
    67. Justin Diercks 505 -3859
    68. Kertus Davis 504 -3860
    69. Tony Raines 500 -3864
    70. Ron Hornaday, Jr 481 -3883
    71. Scott Riggs 460 -3904
    72. Sam Hornish, Jr 456 -3908
    73. Boris Said 452 -3912
    74. Landon Cassill 449 -3915
    75. A J Allmendinger 449 -3915
    76. Derrike Cope 440 -3924
    77. Scott Pruett 395 -3969
    78. Jimmie Johnson 387 -3977
    79. Jay Sauter 376 -3988
    80. Martin Truex, Jr 370 -3994
    81. Bryan Clauson 364 -4000
    82. Ron Fellows 328 -4036
    83. Casey Atwood 327 -4037
    84. Kevin Lepage 306 -4058
    85. Mike Harmon 301 -4063
    86. Joe Nemechek 300 -4064
    87. Jorge Goeters 297 -4067
    88. Brad Teague 295 -4069
    89. David Green 294 -4070
    90. Brian Keselowski 292 -4072
    91. John Graham 286 -4078
    92. Ron Young 260 -4104
    93. Patrick Carpentier 256 -4108
    94. Jeff Green 255 -4109
    95. Andy Pilgrim 236 -4128
    96. Bobby Santos 235 -4129
    97. Donnie Neuenberger 228 -4136
    98. Andy Lally 210 -4154
    99. Alex Garcia 210 -4154
    100. Max Papis 205 -4159
    101. Sterling Marlin 203 -4161
    102. Michel Jourdain 203 -4161
    103. Frank Kreyer 189 -4175
    104. Chris Horn 174 -4190
    105. Travis Kvapil 170 -4194
    106. Jerick Johnson 157 -4207
    107. Marc Mitchell 155 -4209
    108. Kenny Wallace 146 -4218
    109. Brad Baker 140 -4224
    110. Adrian Fernandez 138 -4226
    111. Johnny Benson 138 -4226
    112. Jeremy Clements 137 -4227
    113. Shelby Howard 137 -4227
    114. Justin Ashburn 134 -4230
    115. Trevor Boys 134 -4230
    116. Niclas Jonsson 132 -4232
    117. Danny Efland 132 -4232
    118. Blake Bjorklund 131 -4233
    119. Elliott Sadler 121 -4243
    120. Scott Lagasse 119 -4245
    121. Travis Kittleson 112 -4252
    122. Josh Wise 106 -4258
    123. Carl Long 104 -4260
    124. J R Fitzpatrick 98 -4266
    125. Brian Simo 97 -4267
    126. Carlos Contreras 97 -4267
    127. Todd Souza 94 -4270
    128. Dale Jarrett 94 -4270
    129. P J Jones 91 -4273
    130. Scott Gaylord 89 -4275
    131. Steve Grissom 88 -4276
    132. Kerry Earnhardt 88 -4276
    133. German Quiroga 84 -4280
    134. Rogelio Lopez 76 -4288
    135. Colin Braun 73 -4291
    136. Dario Franchitti 67 -4297
    137. Mike Mackenzie 64 -4300
    138. Deac McCaskill 63 -4301
    139. Michael Valiante 61 -4303
    140. A J Frank 52 -4312
    141. Ian Henderson 52 -4312
    142. Brandon Miller 52 -4312
    143. Dange Hanniford 49 -4315
    144. Larry Foyt 49 -4315
    145. Jeff Fuller 49 -4315
    146. John Andretti 46 -4318
    147. John Young 46 -4318
    148. Matt Carter 46 -4318
    149. Jamie Mosley 43 -4321
    150. Joe Fox 40 -4324
    151. Eddie Macdonald 40 -4324
    152. Chase Austin 40 -4324
    153. Caleb Holman 37 -4327
    154. Mike Potter 37 -4327
    155. John Borneman 37 -4327
    156. Randy Macdonald 34 -4330
    157. Michael Waltrip 34 -4330
    158. Jason White 0 -4364
    159. Ruben Pardo 0 -4364
    160. Tono Perez 0 -4364

  • Owner Standings: Richard Childress continues to lead the owners points over Joe Gibbs. Jack Roush remains in 3rd.(10-27-2007)
    Owner Points Following Race # 32
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    UNOFFICIAL Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Saturday, 10/27/2007 @ 7:59 PM Eastern

    Pos Owner Car # Points Ldr
    1 Richard Childress 29 4,606 0
    2 Joe Gibbs 20 4,470 -136
    3 Jack Roush 60 4,364 -242
    4 Richard Childress 21 4,246 -360
    5 Michael Waltrip 99 3,833 -773
    6 Ray Evernham 9 3,694 -912
    7 Delana Harvick 33 3,664 -942
    8 Armando Fitz 22 3,632 -974
    9 Todd Braun 38 3,606 -1,000
    10 Jack Roush 6 3,464 -1,142
    11 Gregory Pollex 10 3,419 -1,187
    12 Delana Harvick 77 3,416 -1,190
    13 Jack Roush 17 3,363 -1,243
    14 Rick Hendrick 5 3,356 -1,250
    15 Jack Roush 16 3,342 -1,264
    16 Gary Weisbaum 35 3,313 -1,293
    17 Chip Ganassi 41 3,295 -1,311
    18 Dale Earnhardt, Jr 88 3,275 -1,331
    19 Robert Yates 90 3,203 -1,403
    20 Tad Geschickter 59 3,152 -1,454
    21 Floyd Ganassi 42 3,132 -1,474
    22 Clarence Brewer 37 3,111 -1,495
    23 Tammy Brewer 27 3,102 -1,504
    24 Joe Gibbs 18 3,095 -1,511
    25 James Finch 1 3,090 -1,516
    26 James Finch 7 3,083 -1,523
    27 Jodi Geschickter 47 2,948 -1,658
    28 Richard Childress 2 2,707 -1,899
    29 Edward Rensi 25 2,678 -1,928
    30 Rusty Wallace 66 2,633 -1,973
    31 Gregory Pollex 14 2,552 -2,054
    32 Rick Hendrick 24 2,544 -2,062
    33 John McGill 36 2,410 -2,196
    34 Joe Custer 28 2,387 -2,219
    35 Keith Duesenberg 0 1,894 -2,712
    36 Bobby Ginn 4 1,820 -2,786
    37 Roger Penske 12 1,686 -2,920
    38 Jack Roush 26 1,607 -2,999
    39 Bryan Mullet 11 1,438 -3,168
    40 Teresa Earnhardt 15 1,208 -3,398
    41 Stanton Barrett 30 1,190 -3,416
    42 Mary Louise Miller 170 1,107 -3,499
    43 John McNelly 56 918 -3,688
    44 Jimmy Means 52 906 -3,700
    45 Johnny Davis 01 829 -3,777
    46 Pat MacDonald 72 827 -3,779
    47 Keith Coleman 23 758 -3,848
    48 Teresa Earnhardt 8 722 -3,884
    49 Cindy Shepherd 89 717 -3,889
    50 Robby Gordon 155 695 -3,911
    51 Frank Cicci 34 592 -4,014
    52 Wayne Day 05 531 -4,075
    53 Steve Germain 103 505 -4,101
    54 Bill Riley 91 431 -4,175
    55 Donnie Richardson 44 416 -4,190
    56 Rick Hendrick 148 387 -4,219
    57 Todd Braun 32 353 -4,253
    58 Andrea Nemechek 87 300 -4,306
    59 Dusty Whitney 49 292 -4,314
    60 Jerry Young 71 291 -4,315
    61 Jack Roush 106 282 -4,324
    62 Alex Garcia 298 235 -4,371
    63 Fred Horn 158 205 -4,401
    64 Teresa Earnhardt 111 195 -4,411
    65 James Rowe 273 186 -4,420
    66 Gina MacDonald 271 174 -4,432
    67 Roger Penske 139 170 -4,436
    68 Jack Johnson 176 157 -4,449
    69 Susan Spraker 163 152 -4,454
    70 Jay Robinson 149 139 -4,467
    71 Charles Fridell, Jr 54 132 -4,474
    72 Eddie D’hondt 192 98 -4,508
    73 Kelly Souza 113 94 -4,512
    74 Michael Waltrip 344 94 -4,512
    75 Armando Fitz 144 80 -4,526
    76 Tom Eriksen 167 76 -4,530
    77 Chris Lencheski 130 70 -4,536
    78 Lori Morgan 200 68 -4,538
    79 Mike Curb 43 55 -4,551
    80 Stanton Barrett 231 49 -4,557
    81 Doug Taylor 40 46 -4,560
    82 John Young 146 46 -4,560
    83 Rusty Wallace 64 40 -4,566
    84 Charles Henderson 175 37 -4,569
    85 Robert Richardson 180 31 -4,575
    86 Jeff Barrister 250 31 -4,575
    87 Jim Braddock 254 31 -4,575
    88 J L Pennington 208 25 -4,581
    89 Brian Carter 161 25 -4,581
    90 Earl Sadler 195 22 -4,584

  • Ambrose on Pole in Memphis: #47-Marcos Ambrose grabbed his first career pole for the Sam’s Town 250 at Memphis with a qualifying speed of 117.899mph. #99-David Reutimann will start second. The rest of the top-10: #42-Dario Franchitti (making his Busch debut), #38 Jason Leffler, #11 Jason Keller, #18 Brad Coleman, #Sterling Marlin, #43 Bobby East, #30 Stanton Barrett, #20-Casey Atwood (filling in for J.J. Yeley). Not making the race were #01-Kertus Davis, #54-Carl Long, #89-Morgan Shepherd, #12-Marc Mitchell, #44-Mike Harmon, and #52-Chris Lawson.(10-27-2007)
    Starting Line Up by Row
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Sat, October 27, 2007 @ 01:02 PM Eastern

    Pos Car Driver Team Time Speed
    1 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford 22.901 117.899
    2 99 David Reutimann Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota 22.933 117.734
    3 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge 23.013 117.325
    4 38 Jason Leffler Great Clips/Comcast Toyota 23.063 117.071
    5 11 Jason Keller InvestLinc Chevy 23.089 116.939
    6 18 Brad Coleman # Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy 23.103 116.868
    7 1 Sterling Marlin Miccosukee Resorts Chevy 23.118 116.792
    8 43 Bobby East Kick Butt Amped Energy Ballz Ford 23.128 116.742
    9 30 Stanton Barrett Phytter Phone/Interush Chevy 23.143 116.666
    10 20 Casey Atwood FedEx Express Chevy 23.156 116.600
    11 7 Mike Wallace GEICO Chevy 23.157 116.595
    12 29 Scott Wimmer Holiday Inn Chevy 23.163 116.565
    13 66 Steve Wallace HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.185 116.455
    14 26 Kenny Wallace Dish Network Ford 23.188 116.440
    15 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford 23.219 116.284
    16 22 Mike Bliss SuperCuts Dodge 23.236 116.199
    17 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford 23.285 115.954
    18 90 Stephen Leicht citifinancial Ford 23.313 115.815
    19 33 Cale Gale Camping World Chevy 23.319 115.785
    20 5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy 23.329 115.736
    21 72 D.J. Kennington NPPL/Vector Dodge 23.331 115.726
    22 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge 23.339 115.686
    23 35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. McDonald’s Ford 23.346 115.652
    24 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford 23.346 115.652
    25 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy 23.390 115.434
    26 6 Auggie Vidovich Discount Tire Ford 23.399 115.390
    27 71 Ron Young Chevy 23.408 115.345
    28 77 Brandon Miller Dollar General Chevy 23.438 115.198
    29 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford 23.439 115.193
    30 56 Danny O’Quinn Power Equipment Chevy 23.451 115.134
    31 40 Matt Carter Milio’s Sandwiches Delivers Ford 23.457 115.104
    32 10 Brent Sherman Fan1st.com Toyota 23.463 115.075
    33 05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation Chevy 23.482 114.982
    34 0 Eric McClure Hefty Chevy 23.509 114.850
    35 27 Brad Baker Viva Ford 23.529 114.752
    36 49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge 23.567 114.567
    37 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy 23.645 114.189
    38 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge 23.730 113.780
    39 60 Matt McCall Scott’s Winterguard Ford 23.823 113.336
    40 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital Research Owner Points
    41 37 John Graham Kick Butt Energy Ballz/GNC Ford Owner Points
    42 28 Robert Richardson Jr. # Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. Border Patrol Owner Points
    43 64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.607 114.373

  • Wallace Paces Happy Hour: #66-Steve Wallace was the fastest in the final practice session for the Sam’s Town 250 with a speed of 118.234 mph. Rounding out the top ten were #38-Jason Leffler, #11-Jason Keller, #42-Dario Franchitti, #88-Brad Keselowski, #99-Mark Green [for David Reutimann], #59-Marcos Ambrose, #29-Scott Wimmer, #9-Chase Miller, #77-Brandon Miller. Slowest were #0-Eric McClure, #52-Chris Lawson. There were 49 cars on track for the final session.(10-26-2007)
    NBS Final Practice (HAPPY HOUR)
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Fri, October 26, 2007 @ 06:32 PM Eastern

    Pos Car Driver Team Time Speed # Laps
    1 66 Steve Wallace HomeLife Communities Dodge 22.836 118.234 22
    2 38 Jason Leffler Great Clips/Comcast Toyota 22.875 118.033 33
    3 *11 Jason Keller InvestLinc Chevy 22.890 117.955 41
    4 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge 23.005 117.366 22
    5 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy 23.018 117.300 44
    6 99 Mark Green Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota 23.042 117.177 15
    7 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford 23.065 117.060 22
    8 29 Scott Wimmer Holiday Inn Chevy 23.155 116.605 30
    9 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge 23.159 116.585 36
    10 77 Brandon Miller Dollar General Chevy 23.172 116.520 18
    11 33 Cale Gale Camping World Chevy 23.172 116.520 37
    12 18 Brad Coleman Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy 23.174 116.510 34
    13 22 Mike Bliss SuperCuts Dodge 23.178 116.490 39
    14 *71 Ron Young Jerry Young Chevy 23.180 116.480 23
    15 35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. McDonald’s Ford 23.183 116.465 35
    16 90 Stephen Leicht citifinancial Ford 23.233 116.214 35
    17 7 Mike Wallace GEICO Chevy 23.249 116.134 31
    18 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford 23.260 116.079 44
    19 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford 23.263 116.064 24
    20 20 Casey Atwood FedEx Express Chevy 23.301 115.875 32
    21 *49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge 23.301 115.875 13
    22 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital Research 23.306 115.850 18
    23 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford 23.307 115.845 33
    24 *12 Marc Mitchell Ergon Inc. Chevy 23.312 115.820 23
    25 *40 Matt Carter Specialty Racing Ford 23.328 115.741 28
    26 *26 Kenny Wallace Dish Network Ford 23.379 115.488 37
    27 *64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.395 115.409 41
    28 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford 23.409 115.340 32
    29 10 Brent Sherman Fan1st.com Toyota 23.415 115.311 26
    30 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy 23.421 115.281 34
    31 1 Sterling Marlin Miccosukee Resorts Chevy 23.424 115.266 29
    32 *5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy 23.428 115.247 8
    33 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge 23.462 115.080 12
    34 6 Auggie Vidovich Discount Tire Ford 23.494 114.923 22
    35 *56 Danny O’Quinn Power Equipment Chevy 23.494 114.923 28
    36 27 Brad Baker Viva Ford 23.618 114.320 39
    37 *43 Bobby East Kick Butt Amped Energy Ballz Ford 23.678 114.030 22
    38 *72 D.J. Kennington NPPL/Vector Dodge 23.712 113.866 27
    39 *54 Carl Long Millstar Dodge 23.761 113.632 26
    40 *05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation Chevy 23.794 113.474 12
    41 60 Matt McCall Scott’s Winterguard Ford 23.852 113.198 29
    42 *01 Kertus Davis RaceGirl Chevy 23.893 113.004 20
    43 *30 Stanton Barrett Phytter Phone/Interush Chevy 23.900 112.971 12
    44 *89 Morgan Shepherd Victory In Jesus Dodge 23.908 112.933 21
    45 37 John Graham Kick Butt Energy Ballz/GNC Ford 23.981 112.589 24
    46 28 Robert Richardson Jr. Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. Border Patrol 23.985 112.570 22
    47 *44 Mike Harmon StoneBridge Construction Chevy 24.181 111.658 10
    48 *0 Eric McClure Hefty Chevy 24.292 111.148 18
    49 *52 Chris Lawson Jimmy Means Ford 24.737 109.148 7
    *Required to qualify on time

    NBS Rookie Practice
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Fri, October 26, 2007 @ 05:30 PM Eastern

    Pos Car Driver Team Time Speed # Laps
    1 *64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.169 116.535 19
    2 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge 23.205 116.354 29
    3 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy 23.220 116.279 29
    4 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy 23.301 115.875 16
    5 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge 23.331 115.726 5
    6 18 Brad Coleman Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy 23.334 115.711 19
    7 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford 23.341 115.676 9
    8 *12 Marc Mitchell Ergon Inc. Chevy 23.388 115.444 10
    9 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford 23.409 115.340 23
    10 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford 23.449 115.144 25
    11 *5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy 23.480 114.991 17
    12 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital Research 23.668 114.078 19
    13 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford 23.671 114.064 30
    14 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge 23.673 114.054 31
    15 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford 23.676 114.040 21
    16 *49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge 23.809 113.402 15
    17 *40 Matt Carter Specialty Racing Ford 23.912 112.914 11
    18 *52 Chris Lawson Jimmy Means Ford 23.967 112.655 7
    19 28 Robert Richardson Jr. Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. BP Chevy 24.131 111.889 20
    20 *05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation Chevy 25.470 106.007 3
    *Required to qualify on time

  • Miller quickest in first practice: #77-Brandon Miller was the quickest in the first practice session at Memphis Motorsports Park with a speed of 117.499 followed by #38-Jason Leffler, #20-Casey Atwood [for JJ Yeley], #22-Mike Bliss, #99-Mark Green [for David Reutimann], #42-Dario Franchitti, #88-Brad Keselowski, #35-Bobby Hamilton Jr., #11-Jason Keller and #26-Kenny Wallace [for Jamie McMurray]. Slowest were #52-Chris Lawson, #0-Eric McClure. There were 49 cars on track for the first session.(10-26-2007)
    NBS Practice 1
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Fri, October 26, 2007 @ 04:32 PM Eastern

    Pos Car Driver Team Time Speed # Laps
    1 77 Brandon Miller Dollar General Chevy 22.979 117.499 20
    2 38 Jason Leffler Great Clips/Comcast Toyota 23.004 117.371 28
    3 20 Casey Atwood FedEx Express Chevy 23.035 117.213 28
    4 22 Mike Bliss SuperCuts Dodge 23.036 117.208 15
    5 99 Mark Green Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota 23.097 116.898 26
    6 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge 23.123 116.767 47
    7 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy 23.159 116.585 35
    8 35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. McDonald’s Ford 23.163 116.565 37
    9 *11 Jason Keller InvestLinc Chevy 23.185 116.455 29
    10 *26 Kenny Wallace Dish Network Ford 23.202 116.369 35
    11 18 Brad Coleman Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy 23.211 116.324 40
    12 90 Stephen Leicht citifinancial Ford 23.212 116.319 31
    13 33 Cale Gale Camping World Chevy 23.240 116.179 36
    14 1 Sterling Marlin Miccosukee Resorts Chevy 23.290 115.930 26
    15 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford 23.296 115.900 39
    16 29 Scott Wimmer Holiday Inn Chevy 23.312 115.820 36
    17 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge 23.316 115.800 56
    18 *12 Marc Mitchell Ergon Inc. Chevy 23.347 115.647 27
    19 6 Auggie Vidovich Discount Tire Ford 23.355 115.607 33
    20 *71 Ron Young Jerry Young Chevy 23.359 115.587 32
    21 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford 23.371 115.528 34
    22 *5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy 23.397 115.399 29
    23 66 Steve Wallace HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.399 115.390 36
    24 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford 23.444 115.168 36
    25 37 John Graham Kick Butt Energy Ballz/GNC Ford 23.444 115.168 43
    26 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge 23.470 115.040 47
    27 10 Brent Sherman Fan1st.com Toyota 23.473 115.026 37
    28 *43 Bobby East Kick Butt Amped Energy Ballz Ford 23.492 114.933 48
    29 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford 23.496 114.913 37
    30 7 Mike Wallace GEICO Chevy 23.501 114.889 24
    31 *49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge 23.528 114.757 30
    32 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford 23.562 114.591 40
    33 *89 Morgan Shepherd Victory In Jesus Dodge 23.564 114.582 11
    34 *40 Matt Carter Specialty Racing Ford 23.569 114.557 24
    35 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy 23.583 114.489 50
    36 60 Matt McCall Scott’s Winterguard Ford 23.594 114.436 39
    37 *64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge 23.616 114.329 49
    38 *01 Kertus Davis RaceGirl Chevy 23.712 113.866 17
    39 *54 Carl Long Millstar Dodge 23.713 113.862 31
    40 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital Research 23.730 113.780 35
    41 *56 Danny O’Quinn Power Equipment Chevy 23.735 113.756 27
    42 *44 Mike Harmon StoneBridge Construction Chevy 23.772 113.579 19
    43 27 Brad Baker Viva Ford 23.773 113.574 36
    44 *30 Stanton Barrett Phytter Phone/Interush Chevy 23.804 113.426 17
    45 *05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation Chevy 23.855 113.184 39
    46 *72 D.J. Kennington NPPL/Vector Dodge 24.038 112.322 39
    47 28 Robert Richardson Jr. Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. BP Chevy 24.073 112.159 34
    48 *52 Chris Lawson Jimmy Means Ford 24.141 111.843 14
    49 *0 Eric McClure Hefty Chevy 24.352 110.874 23
    *Required to qualify on time

  • Memphis Entry List: UDPATE: There are 49 entries on the preliminary Sam’s Town 300 entry list.(10-26-2007)
    UPDATE: A couple updates to the list, Sterling Marlin will be in the #1 (Yeley was originally listed). J.J. Yeley will be in the #20 (Denny Hamlin was originally listed).(10-23-2007)
    UPDATE: Chris Lawson will be in the #52. Brad Teague was originally listed.(10-25-2007)

    Entry List – Numerical
    Memphis Motorsports Park
    Sam’s Town 250
    Provided by NASCAR Statistics – Fri, October 26, 2007 @ 01:53 PM Eastern

    Ent. Car Driver Team Name Owner
    1 *0 Eric McClure Hefty Chevy Keith Duesenberg
    2 *01 Kertus Davis RaceGirl Chevy Johnny Davis
    3 1 Sterling Marlin Miccosukee Resorts Chevy James Finch
    4 *05 Brett Rowe Spectra Metals/31-W Insulation Chevy Wayne Day
    5 *5 Landon Cassill National Guard Chevy Rick Hendrick
    6 6 David Ragan # Discount Tire Ford Jack Roush
    7 7 Mike Wallace GEICO Chevy James Finch
    8 9 Chase Miller Dodge Dealers Dodge Ray Evernham
    9 10 Brent Sherman Fan1st.com Toyota Greg Pollex
    10 *11 Jason Keller IvestLinc Chevy Bryan Mullet
    11 *12 Marc Mitchell Ergon Inc. Chevy Roger Penske
    12 14 Kyle Krisiloff # Lilly/Walgreens Ford Greg Pollex
    13 16 Colin Braun 3M Ford Jack Roush
    14 18 Brad Coleman Carino’s Italian Grill Chevy Joe Gibbs
    15 20 J.J. Yeley FedEx Express Chevy Joe Gibbs
    16 21 Tim McCreadie AutoZone Chevy Richard Childress
    17 22 Mike Bliss SuperCuts Dodge Armando Fitz
    18 25 Richard Johns freecreditreport.com Ford Ed Rensi
    19 *26 Jamie McMurray Dish Network Ford Jack Roush
    20 27 Brad Baker Viva Ford Tammy Brewer
    21 28 Robert Richardson Jr. # Checkers/Rally’s/U.S. BP Chevy Joe Custer
    22 29 Scott Wimmer Holiday Inn Chevy Richard Childress
    23 *30 Stanton Barrett Phytter Phone/Interush Chevy Stanton Barrett
    24 33 Cale Gale Camping World Chevy Delana Harvick
    25 35 Bobby Hamilton Jr. McDonald’s Ford Gary Weisbaum
    26 36 Jeremy Clements St. Judes Children’s Hospital Research John McGill
    27 37 John Graham Kick Butt Energy Ballz/GNC Ford Clarence Brewer
    28 38 Jason Leffler Great Clips/Concast Toyota Todd Braun
    29 *40 Matt Carter Specialty Racing Ford Doug Taylor
    30 41 Bryan Clauson Memorex Dodge Chip Ganassi
    31 42 Dario Franchitti Target Dodge Floyd Ganassi
    32 *43 Bobby East Kick Butt Amped Energy Ballz Ford Mike Curb
    33 *44 Mike Harmon StoneBridge Construction Chevy Donnie Richardson
    34 47 Kelly Bires Clorox/American Red Cross Ford Jodi Geschickter
    35 *49 Brian Keselowski Halloway/Dusty’s Collision Dodge Dusty Whitney
    36 *52 Chris Lawson Jimmy Means Ford Jimmy Means
    37 *54 Carl Long Millstar Dodge Charles Fridell
    38 *56 Danny O’Quinn Power Equipment Chevy John McNelly
    39 59 Marcos Ambrose # Kingsford/Bush’s Ford Tad Geschickter
    40 60 Carl Edwards Scott’s Winterguard Ford Jack Roush
    41 *64 Chase Austin HomeLife Communities Dodge Rusty Wallace
    42 66 Steve Wallace HomeLife Communities Dodge Rusty Wallace
    43 *71 Ron Young Jerry Young Chevy Jerry Young
    44 *72 D.J. Kennington NPPL/Vector Dodge Pat MacDonald
    45 77 Brandon Miller Dollar General Chevy Delana Harvick
    46 88 Brad Keselowski # U.S. NAVY Chevy Dale Earnhardt Jr.
    47 *89 Morgan Shepherd Victory In Jesus Dodge Cindy Shepherd
    48 90 Stephen Leicht citifinancial Ford Robert Yates
    49 99 David Reutimann Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Michael Waltrip
    • NASCAR News & Notes: NASCAR’s weekly series race preview is posted on the Memphis Race Page.(10-23-2007)

      * Required to qualify on time


    NASCAR Busch Series News And Notes – Memphis

    In the city where blues is king, Memphis Motorsports Park is quickly becoming known as the track where NASCAR Busch Series debuts are all the rage.

    Led by reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti (#42 Target Dodge) and 18-year-old Chase Austin (#64 HomeLife Communities Dodge), Saturday’s field at Memphis is again dotted by some high-profile drivers attempting to make their series debuts.

    Last year, another open-wheel superstar, Juan Pablo Montoya, was in the debut spotlight along with Tim Schendel who was fresh off his victory in the Elite Division at the Toyota All-Star Showdown.

    Austin, who turned 18 less than a month ago, will attempt to become only the second driver of African-American descent to compete in the NASCAR Busch Series (Bill Lester was the first in 1999). A teammate of Steve Wallace (#66 HomeLife Communities Dodge), Austin – a competitor in the NASCAR Grand National Division Busch East Series this year – will have to qualify on time.

    Additionally, Colin Braun (pronounced “Brown”) looks to make his much-anticipated series debut in the #16 3M Ford for Roush Fenway Racing. Like Franchitti, the 19-year-old Braun – a Grand-Am Series “veteran” – made his NASCAR national series debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series last weekend at Martinsville Speedway.

    In all, there are 14 drivers age 23 or under entered at Memphis and along with Austin and Braun, there are three other teenagers in the event: 18-year-old Bryan Clauson (#41 Memorex Dodge) who is the experienced series driver on the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team with Franchitti (four starts); 18-year-old Landon Cassill (#24 National Guard Chevy) and 19-year-old Brad Coleman (#18 Carino’s Chevy). All three will be making their track debuts at Memphis.

    Teams Participate In St. Jude’s “Design A Dream” Event At Memphis

    Young patients at Memphis-based St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital will literally have a hand in this weekend’s race at Memphis Motorsports Park.

    Sixteen cars in the race will carry paint schemes designed by the children. The original “Design a Dream” idea was circulated in the media and received support from St. Jude’s and the track. It will come to fruition in the form of colorful and whimsical takes on each participating team’s normal paint scheme.

    Some drivers will visit the hospital on Thursday and enjoy lunch with the children. A few patients will, in turn, come to the track on Saturday and participate in the singing of the National Anthem with the popular country group Diamond Rio.

    “This is a great way to help bring awareness and give the kids a chance to be creative on a large scale,” said Jason Keller (#11 InvestLinc Chevy).

    In The Loop: Edwards’ Stats Say Probable Clinch At Memphis; Yeley A Factor Driving #20 Chevy 

    Carl Edwards (#60 Scotts Winterguard Ford) is in a comfortable spot right now.

    After the checkered flag flies this weekend at Memphis, Edwards needs to lead David Reutimann (#99 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota) by 585 points to clinch the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series championship.

    Currently, Edwards is 638 points ahead of Reutimann, meaning Edwards can lose 53 points and still hoist the championship trophy. An eighth-place finish or better for Edwards would also clinch the title.

    Considering Edwards’ past at Memphis, losing points doesn’t seem likely.

    He’s been stellar there, finishing in the top five in both his visits. Edwards finished fifth and third in 2005 and ‘06, respectively.

    His statistics there are obviously solid. He has a Driver Rating of 106.8, an Average Running Position of 11.3, 36 Fastest Laps Run and of the 506 laps run at Memphis over the two races, he has spent 78.3% of them in the top 15.

    Reutimann has run at Memphis in the NASCAR Busch Series only once, posting a 12th-place finish in 2002.

    Another battle to watch is for the owner’s championship – and the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Chevy could make a hard charge this weekend. J.J. Yeley, a Memphis master, will pilot the #20 FedEx Chevy this weekend and try to chip away at the 116-point lead the #29 Richard Childress Chevy now owns.

    Of those competing this weekend, Yeley holds the top statistics in most categories. With finishes of second and 10th in 2005 and ‘06, he has a Driver Rating of 108.7, an Average Running Position of 8.0, and has run 85.6% of the total laps in the top 15. All those numbers are best of any driver in Saturday’s race.

    Scott Wimmer, who will drive the #29 Holiday Inn Chevy this weekend, will have to shake off some Memphis rust. He has not raced at the Tennessee short track since 2003, but does have strong finishes there. Wimmer won at Memphis in 2002 and notched three consecutive top 10s from 2001-03.

    NBS, Etc.

    • Memphis Debuts, Part II: Four drivers entered in Saturday’s race also carry over from the “Debut City” theme for Memphis. Scott Wimmer and Jamie McMurray (#26 Dish Network Ford) made their series debuts in this race in 2000, while Steve Wallace and Stephen Leicht (#90 CitiFinancial Ford) did the same in 2005. David Reutimann captured his first – and to date, only – Busch Pole at Memphis in 2003.

    • Double-Duty Doubles: Five double-duty drivers will venture to and from Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Sam’s Town 250 and Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Pep Boys Auto 500. Each has a substitute driver ready at Memphis who will be available to practice and qualify their car if necessary – Kenny Wallace will sub for Jamie McMurray; Matt McCall is in for Carl Edwards; Auggie Vidovich is on standby for David Ragan (#6 Discount Tire Ford); Mark Green is on call for David Reutimann and Casey Atwood will sub for J.J. Yeley.

    • Leffler Set For 150th Start: Jason Leffler (#38 Great Clips Toyota), currently fourth in the series driver standings, looks to make his 150th start in the NASCAR Busch Series at Memphis. Leffler made his series debut at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis in 1999 and has won two races and eight poles in the 148 races since. His car will carry a special decal commemorating his landmark start.

    • Tickets For Elvis?: Brad Coleman returns to the track for the first time since racing at Dover International Speedway last month and will be making his next-to-last appearance for Joe Gibbs Racing since announcing last week he will move to Brewco Motorsports full-time in 2008. His final scheduled race for JGR is next week at Texas Motor Speedway. Coleman plans on having some fun while in Memphis – in addition to touring Graceland with an advance group of drivers including Scott Wimmer, Bryan Clauson, Jason Keller, Landon Cassill and Chase Austin Thursday – Coleman’s team will have an Elvis impersonator in the pits during the weekend.

    • Helping Hand For “Shakes”: CitiFinancial sponsored a fundraiser Monday, Oct. 22 for Shane “Shakes” Hakes at Victory Lane Karting in Charlotte, N.C. The event raised more than $7,000 for Hakes’ family. Hakes, who most recently served as a tire specialist on the #90 crew after also spending time with KHI’s NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams in the same capacity, was critically injured in a motorcycle accident on July 15. As he continues to recover at WakeMed in Raleigh, N.C., the CitiFinancial racing crew and the #90 CitiFinancial Ford of Stephen Leicht will continue to carry the special “Racing for Shakes” logo.

    • BB&T Back With Bowyer: Clint Bowyer will be back with sponsor BB&T for the 2008 season, the debut year for new series sponsor Nationwide Insurance. Bowyer, with two wins, 11 top fives and 16 top-10 finishes in 19 races this year, plans to contend for the inaugural NASCAR Nationwide Series championship next year. The sponsorship agreement extends through 2009. In his last full-time season in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2005, Bowyer finished second to Martin Truex Jr. in the championship by 68 points.

    • Setting Different This Time For Keselowski: Four months ago at Memphis, Brad Keslelowski (#88 U.S. NAVY Chevy) turned in the performance that set the stage for his career rejuvenation. Subbing for the suspended Ted Musgrave in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on June 30, Keselowski won the pole and led 62 laps – including being in the lead before a spin with eight laps to go. He finished 16th but won a bigger prize when he was named to drive the #88 for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports program. Keselowski had been out of a ride prior to that time. “That run turned a lot of heads,” he said. “I had a lot of voicemails to sort through when I landed back in Charlotte after the race and one was from Dale Jr. Now it’s four months later and I’m coming back to Memphis with a full-time ride in the #88 Chevy.”

    By The Numbers:  Memphis Motorsports Park

    • 2 – Most wins (Kevin Harvick)
    • 3 – Most top fives (Jeff Green, Clint Bowyer, Harvick)
    • 2 – Most Busch Poles (Green, Martin Truex Jr.)
    • 2 – Races won from the pole (Green in 1999, Truex)
    • 35th – Worst starting position of a winner (Bowyer, 2005)
    • 4 – Number of NASCAR Busch Series champions who have also won at Memphis

    2007 NASCAR BUSCH SERIES RAYBESTOS ROOKIE OF THE YEAR STANDINGS

         Driver                          Points
    1. David Ragan                   222
    2. Marcos Ambrose            192
    3. Kyle Krisiloff                   177
    4. Brad Keselowski             165
    5. Juan Pablo Montoya        165
    6. Brad Coleman                 156
    7. Robert Richardson Jr.        99
    8. Justin Diercks                   51

    2007 NASCAR Busch Series Champions Week

    ESPN2

    ESPN2 continues its season-long coverage of the NASCAR Busch Series with live racing from Memphis Motorsports Park. The telecast of the 250-lap race begins at 3 p.m. ET with NASCAR Countdown.

    Marty Reid will anchor ESPN2’s coverage from Memphis, with analysis by another two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion, Randy LaJoie. Rusty Wallace, the 1989 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champion, will also offer analysis.

    Pit reporters at Memphis will be Allen Bestwick, Shannon Spake and Vince Welch.

    2007 At-A-Glance: NASCAR Busch Series Leaders After 31 Of 35 Races:

    Season Traditional Statistics:
    Driver points – Edwards (4,276)
    Victories – Harvick (5)
    Races led – Edwards (20)
    Laps led – Ky. Busch (958)
    Top-five finishes – Edwards (14)
    Top-10 finishes – Edwards (19)
    Owner points – Richard Childress Racing (#29) – (4,456)
    Money Won – Edwards ($1,113,110)
    Miles led – Ky. Busch (1,286.08)
    Busch Poles – Hamlin (5)
    Closest to 10th – Kenseth 10th (2,981 pts); 11th – M. Wallace -22
    Consecutive Weeks in Top 10 – Edwards, Harvick (31)

    Season Loop Data Statistics:
    Driver Rating – Edwards (107.2)
    Average Running Position – Edwards (9.8)
    Fastest Laps Run – Edwards (526 fastest laps)
    Quality Passes – Edwards (943)
    Laps In Top 15 – Edwards (4,700 of a possible 5,700)

    Chevy Has Strong History At Final Four Tracks

    If history holds, Chevy – already the winner of the 2007 Bill France Performance Cup – can continue to build on its impressive season.

    Chevy is the top manufacturer at three of the final four tracks remaining on the schedule, including Memphis Motorsports Park.

    Chevy has won six races at Memphis and has been to Victory Lane in the last three events there. Kevin Harvick’s win last season was his second at Memphis, making him the only driver to have multiple victories at the track. His first in 2000 was also in a Chevy.

    Ford is the only other active manufacturer with a win at Memphis. Tennessee native Bobby Hamilton Jr. (#35 McDonald’s Ford) won in a Ford in 2003.

    Chevy also has a series-leading six wins at Texas and Homestead-Miami Speedway while Ford has six wins at Phoenix International Raceway.

    Manufacturers’ Championship 2007 Point Standings

    Chevy 237
    Ford       182
    Dodge    138
    Toyota    125

    Up Next: O’Reilly Challenge At Texas Motor Speedway

    The second and final visit of the 2007 season at Texas Motor Speedway is up next for the NASCAR Busch Series. The O’Reilly Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3 as part of three NASCAR races that weekend at the 1.5-mile track. ESPN2 will carry the race live beginning at 3 p.m. ET. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series runs on Friday night while NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race is on Sunday afternoon.

    Kevin Harvick has won the last two fall races at Texas and three overall tying him with Mark Martin for the series lead in victories there.

    Matt Kenseth, who captured his first series win at Texas in 2003, won this past April. He’s the only driver other than Harvick and Martin with multiple victories at Texas.

    David Ragan won his first career Busch Pole last April. Jeff Green, the 2000 series champion, leads all drivers with two poles.

    No driver has won from the pole at Texas in the previous 13 races.

    FAST FACTS

    The Race: Sam’s Town 250
    The Place: Memphis Motorsports Park
    The Date:  Oct. 27, 20071
    The Time: 3:30 p.m. (ET)
    TV: ESPN2, 3 p.m. (ET)
    Track Layout: .75-mile oval
    Race Purse: $1,302,075
    2006 Winner: Kevin Harvick
    2006 Pole: Johnny Sauter

    2007 Point Standings
    Pos. Driver  Points
    1      Edwards  4,276
    2      Reutimann 3,638
    3      Harvick  3,523
    4      Leffler  3,451
    5      Ragan  3,299
    6      Hamilton Jr. 3,264
    7      Biffle  3,136
    8      Leicht  3,046
    9      Ambrose  2,987
    10    Kenseth  2,981

    Pre-Race Schedule:
    Friday–Practice, 2-3 p.m.; Rookie Practice, 3:30-4 p.m.; Final Practice, 4-5 p.m. Saturday–Qualifying, 9:35 a.m. (impound).